Trail Blazers @ Lakers
October 23rd, 2022 | 12:30 PST
Watch: Root Sports NW+, SPECSN, NBA League Pass
How does 2-0 sound? Yeah, it sounds pretty good. The Blazers got to 2-0 on Friday night by defeating the Suns in overtime in front of a raucous Moda Center crowd. We saw vintage Dame, a bounce back from Nurkic, and some "big boy" plays from Anfernee Simons. This team is starting to make fans excited about the season and for good reason -- we've gotten back to back incredible, energetic games. Next up on the schedule for Portland is LA, and we'll see if the Blazers can make it three in a row.. And while Anthony Davis and LeBron James will get much of the headlines, don't let that distract you from the fact that the Blazers are playing some quality ball right now.
Keys to the Game
1. Three Point Defense
- Even though the Lakers have two superstars in Davis and James, the Lakers front office has struggled to put a quality lineup around them. Lebron thrives when he has spot up shooters all over the court, and this iteration of the Lakers are deprived of three point shooting. Right now, the Lakers are dead last in the league in three point percentage at 22.4%, and they aren't remotely close to 29th. They have been abysmal from downtown. Portland's perimeter defense has been under scrunity and was put to the test in the the last few games with mixed results -- Sacramento's guard tandem of Fox and Huerter cooked Portland from deep, but the Blazers put in better effort against Phoenix. The Blazers absolutely need to win the three point battle with LA or it could spell trouble. The Lakers are 0-2 because frankly, they haven't been able to shoot. If the Blazers don't properly defend the three point line, you never know when a team can get hot. It's better to be safe than sorry, so Portland will need to defend the line with some urgency.
2. Jerami Grant
- Jerami Grant was awesome in the season opener, but didn't fill the stat sheet quite as much against the Suns. He only had 8 points and 4 rebounds, but he helped the team out in countless ways that don't show up in the box score. And we need that type of work and grit from Grant again in this game. Lebron and Davis are two of the toughest wings/bigs to guard in the league, and Grant will be one of the guys tasked with slowing them down. Defending without fouling and forcing James and Davis to take tough, contested shots will be key. Grant doesn't necessarily need to score 20 points to have an impact on the game; he can do it via effort and intensity on the defensive end and on the boards. We'll need some of that against LA.
Matchup of the Night (Day)
Damian Lillard vs Patrick Beverley
Honestly, I picked this as the "matchup of the night" because of the entertainment value. Pat Bev and Dame have had their moments over the years, and they both leave it all out on the floor. They also are both elite competitors, but they compete in different ways. Lillard is more reserved and "let's his game do the talking" while Beverley prides himself on being a pest and getting in people's faces. This contrast is always on full display when they face each other, and it is fascinating to watch as a fan. So that's why I'm picking this as the matchup of the night. Let's hope Dame cooks against Pat Bev.
Notes, Updates, and Injuries
Gary Payton II, Watford, and Sarr are all still out for Portland.
Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant are out f0r LA. Anthony Davis is probable.
Betting Tips and Prediction
The under is 7-0 in the last 7 Blazer games
The stat above is the key stat for this game. In my opinion, this game is going to be tight, and I really think that the market is overvaluing LA. But, I'm having a hard time committing to Portland three games in a row. So, I'm gonna look at the over/under. Right now, it is sitting at 223.5. The Blazers vs. Suns game should of went under, but overtime made it go over. I like how Portland's defense looked against the Suns -- giving up 111 points in overtime is solid. In addition, the Lakers offense has been terrible to start the year, but they play tough defense. I'm expecting a 108-103 type game. Give me the under.
Pick: Under 223.5
No player prop this game as I am 0-2 to start the year. I need a game to reset.
Remember, the game is at 12:30 PST -- an early start for the West Coast. Hopefully, the Blazers don't come out sluggish. Let's get to 3-0 everyone! Go Blazers!
コメント